Collaboration Projects

Horizons' freshwater work is vital to aquatic indigenous biodiversity, which is in a state of degradation. This degradation includes greatly reduced native fish populations, poor habitat (loss of riparian margins in most areas, and the introduction of exotic fish and pest plants), and many barriers between coastal wetlands, streams and headwaters.

Two of the biggest projects that Horizons are involved in are the Manawatū River Leaders' Accord and the Lake Horowhenua Accord.

Manawatū River Leaders' Accord

In August 2010 the members of the Manawatū River Leaders' Forum signed an Accord to take action to improve the state of the Manawatū River, and the wider catchment. The Accord set out focus, vision, and goals for the river. The Action Plan sets out the steps to be taken in order to achieve the vision and goals.

The Forums’ goal is to improve the Manawatū River, the mauri (lifeforce) of the Manawatū River Catchment, such that it sustains ﬁsh species, and is suitable for contact recreation, in balance with the social, cultural and economic activities of the catchment community.

This goal represents a community opportunity to develop leadership in catchment improvement and capture the social and economic beneﬁts of such leadership.

Lake Horowhenua Accord

The Lake Horowhenua Accord draws together five foundation partners to collaboratively pursue the objectives and goals of the Accord, while acknowledging that each partner has their own responsibilities.

Lake Horowhenua is a vital taonga, highly valued by local iwi for a range of reasons including the provision of significant fishery. The lake has the potential to be a considerable recreational asset for the southern part of the North Island and has historically hosted a range of rowing regattas, sailing events and other recreational activities.

The Accord sets out a clear vision for a collaborative approach. This includes outlining the acknowledgements and relationship principles for working together. Further information and various scientific reports on Lake Horowhenua are available below.

The Action Plan provides detail on the key issues impacting Lake Horowhenua, as identified in the Lake Accord document, and the approaches for its restoration. Many of the restoration management actions in this Action Plan are based on scientific and monitoring work undertaken by Horizons to further understand the current situation of Lake Horowhenua and assess various restoration options.

19 December 2018

Lake Horowhenua Report Card 2017

Lake Horowhenua Report Card 2017

The Lake Horowhenua Report Card is a progress report highlighting the work programmes that have been implemented and funding received since the Action Plan was initiated. While we recognise there is still much to be done, it is positive to see collaboration between Accord partners is helping to make improvements in the lake.